Stone Circle Poor unfortunate souls

Murdock had been getting more comfortable entering the territory. It was about time, after being among the Easthollow wolves for more than a month. He'd not gotten very close with any of his packmates, but the male did not have much to say, aside from a few cheerful greetings here and there.

He spent his time hunting and marking the borders, both actions ones that could be performed beyond the borders of Easthollow, and away from the oppressive scent of milk and puppies that always seemed to be tickling his nose. But even he could not always resist the allure, and - when Valette had business elsewhere - the male did occasionally find himself nearer to the den than he might normally permit himself.

He still could not see it, and it would take a a good walk before it came into view - but he and his family had been blessed with exceptional noses, and Murdock could easily detect the scent of new life in the air.

That was all he wanted. Just the scent, and a good, long nap, and dreams that were filled with happy times instead of the Great Saddness that'd come after. So it was that, when a dark, bumbling blob came cavorting through the wilderness, she came to stop a stone's throw from Murdock, who heaved another happy sigh in his sleep.